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[Entered as second-class matter October 13, 1904, at the Post-office in

Mountain View, Cal., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879]

No. 69

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Mountain View, Cal., July, 1912

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5 Cts.

TOPICALSTUDIES

ON THE

MESSAGE

Senior Division, 3d Quarter, 1912

July to September

Published by

Pacific Press Publishing Association

Mountain View, California

abbatb

gubool

Morita

A Twenty-Page Monthly Journal

Containing valuable instruction on

the various phases of the Sabbath-

school work, practical suggestions

on organization, teaching, class

and general exercises, with helps

on current Sabbath-school lessons

for the Senior, Intermediate, Pri-

mary, and Kindergarten depart-

ments. The outline for the S. S.

Teachers' Reading Course is given

each month. Also many other

valuable suggestions for Sabbath-

school officers, teachers, parents,

and pupils. An invaluable aid 'to

all engaged in Sabbath-school work.

One Yearly Subscription

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35c

Two or more copies to one address, each

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30c

No subscription entered for less than one year

Address

Sabbath-School Worker

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Washington, D. C.

Topical Studies on the Message

Third Quarter, 1912

LESSON I — Search the Scriptures

JULY 6, 1912

LESSON

HELPS:

''Steps to Christ," pages 93-96; ''Ministry

of Healing," pages 458-466

; "Education," pages 185-192;

2c/5

7—

's-bath-School Worker.

Questions

What is God's word said to be ? John 17 : 17 ; Ps.

119: 160.

What statements are made concerning the study

of the Scriptures ? John 5 : 39 ; 2 Tim. 2:15:_

What commendable example has been recorded

for our benefit ? Acts 17 : 10-12.

What is the attitude of angels toward the things

revealed through the prophets? 1 Peter 1: 9-12. Note 1.

What is said concerning some of the things re-

vealed therein ? What do the unlearned sometimes do ?

With what result ? 2 Peter 3 : 16. Note 2.

For what purpose were the Scriptures given?

What will they do for the believer? 2 Tim. 3: 16, 17.

Note 3.

By what do we live? Matt. 4: 4; John 6: 63, 67,

68.

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Compare Deut. 8 : 1-3.

S. What lights up the pathway of the believer?

Ps. 119 :105 ; Prov. 6 : 23 ; 4 :18, 19.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

9. To what is the Word compared? Jer. 23 29;

Heb. 4: 12.

10. What is stated concerning the prophecies of

God's word? By what means were they given? 2 Peter

1 : 19-21. What exhortation is given to Christians liv-

ing in the last days? Chapter 3: 2.

11. What is the effective safeguard against sin? Ps.

119: 11.

12. What had Timothy been taught in his childhood?

What were the Scriptures able to do ? 2 Tim. 3 : 14, 15.

Compare Ps. 119: 9.

13. What charge is given concerning the Word?

2 Tim. 4: 1, 2.

14. What was the example of the apostle Paul in

this matter ? Acts 13 : 5 ; 14 : 25 ; 17 : 13.

15. What were some of the results of preaching the

Word ? Acts 8 : 5-7; 19 : 19, 20.

16. What mighty power did the words of Jesus have

when He was on earth? Luke 4 : 32-39; John 11 : 43, 44.

Note 4.

17. What is said of those who reject God's word ?

Jer. 8 : 9.

18. What famine has been foretold? Amos 8: 11, 12.

19. How should we regard the words of the Lord?

Jer. 15 : 16.

Notes

1. "Has the reader ever paid a visit to the astonishing organist

who so charmingly elicits the tourist's tears in the cathedral at

Freiburg, as he touches one after another his wondrous keys, and

greets your ear by turns with the march of warriors on the river-

side, the voice of prayer sent up from the lake during the fury of

the storm, or of thanksgiving when it is hushed to rest? All your

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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senses are electrified, for you seem to have seen all, and to have

heard all. Well, then, it was thus that the Lord God, mighty in

harmony, applied, as it were, the finger of His Spirit to the stops

which He had chosen for the hour of His purpose,"and for the

unity of His celestial hymn. He had from eternity before Him

all the human stops which He required; His Creator's eye em-

braces at a glance this range of keys stretching over threescore

centuries; and when He would make known to our fallen world

the everlasting counsel of His redemption, and the coming of the

Son of God, he put His left hand on Enoch, the seventh man from

Adam, and His right on John, the humble and sublime prisoner

of Patmos. The celestial anthem, seven hundred years before the

flood, began with these words: 'Behold, the Lord cometh with ten

thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all;' but al-

ready, in the mind of God, and in the eternal harmony of His—

work, the voice of John had answered to that of Enoch, and closed

the hymn, three thousand years after him, with these words: 'Be-

hold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and

they also which pierced Him. Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly.

Amen!' And during this hymn of thirty centuries, the Spirit of

God never ceased to breathe in all His messengers; the angels, an

apostle tells us, desired to look into its wondrous depths. God's

elect were moved, and life eternal came down into the souls of

men.

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"The Plenary Inspiration ot the Holy Scriptures," by

L. Gaussen, pages 51, 52.

2. " The difficulties of Scripture have been urged by skeptics

as an argument against the Bible; but so far from this, they con-

stitute a strong evidence of its divine inspiration. If it contained

no account of God but that which we could easily comprehend; if

His greatness and majesty could be grasped by finite minds, then

the Bible would not bear the unmistakable credentials of divine

authority. The very grandeur and mystery of the themes pre-

sented, should inspire faith in it as the word of God.

" The Bible unfolds truth with a simplicity and a perfect

adaptation to the needs and longings of the human heart, that

has astonished and charmed the most highly cultivated minds, while

it enables the humble and uncultured to discern the way of salva-

tion. And yet these simply stated truths lay hold upon subjects

so elevated, so far-reaching, so infinitely beyond the power of

human comprehension, that we can accept them only because God

has declared them. Thus, the plan of redemption is laid open to

us, so that every soul -may

see

the steps he is to take in repentance

toward God, and faith toward -our Lord Jesus Christ, in order

to be saved in God's appointed way; yet beneath these truths, so

easily understood, lie mysteries which are the hiding of His glory,

— mysteries which overpower the mind in its research, yet inspire

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

the sincere seeker for truth with reverence and faith. The more

he searches the Bible, the deeper is his conviction that it is the

word of the living God, and human reason bows before the majesty

of divine

revelation." `Testimonies for the Church," volume

5, page 700.

"After trying other books, if you experience religious long-

ings, open the Bible; listen to it. Sometimes you find here the

songs of angels, but of angels that have come down among the

children of Adam. Here is the deep-sounding organ of the Most

High, but an organ that serves to soothe man's heart and to

rouse his conscience, alike in shepherd's cots and in palaces; alike

in the poor man's garrets and in the tents of the desert. The

Bible, in fact, has lessons for all conditions; it brings upon the

scene both the lowly and the great; it reveals equally to both the

love of God, and unveils in both the same miseries. It addresses

itself to children; and it is often children that show us there the

way to heaven and the great things of Jehovah. It addresses

itself to shepherds and herdsmen; and it is often shepherds and

herdsmen that lift up their voices there, and reveal to us the

character of God. It speaks to kings and to scribes; and it is

often kings and scribes that .teach us there man's wretchedness,

humiliation, confession, and prayer. Domestic scenes, confessions

of conscience, pourings forth of prayer in secret, travels, proVerbs,

revelations of the depths of the heart, the holy courses pursued by

a child of God, weaknesses unveiled, falls, recoveries, inward ex-

periences, parables, familiar letters, theological treatises, sacred

commentaries on some ancient scripture, national chronicles, mil-

itary annals, political statistics, descriptions of God, portraits of

angels, celestial visions, practical counsels, rules of life, solutions

of cases of conscience, judgments of the Lord, sacred hymns,

predictions of future events, narratives of what passed during

the days preceding our creation, sublime odes, inimitable pieces' of

poetry; — all this is found there by turns; and all this meets

our view in most delightful variety, and presenting a whole whose

majesty, like that of a temple, is overpowering. Thus it ,is, that,

from its first to its last page, the Bible behooved to combine with

its majestic unity the indefinable charm of human-like instruc-

tion, familiar, sympathetic, personal, and the charm of a drama

extending over forty centuries. In the Bible of Desmarets, it is

said, There are fords here for lambs, and there are deep waters

where elephants swim.'

"—"The Plenary Inspiration of the Holy

Scriptures," by L. Gaussen, pages 55, 56.

"Who does not tremble, after following with his eyes the

Son of man as He commands the elements, stills the storms, and

opens the graves, while, filled with so profound a respect for the

sacred volume, He declares that He is one day to judge by that

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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book the quick and the dead' Who does not shudder, whose heart

does not bleed, when, after observing this, we venture to step

into a Rationalist academy, and see the professor's chair occupied

by a poor mortal, learned, miserable, a sinner, responsible, yet

handling God's word irreverently; when we follow him as he goes

through this deplorable task before a body of youths, destined

to be the guides of a whole people — youths capable of doing so

much good if guided to the heights of the faith, and so much

mischief if tutored in disrespect for those Scriptures which they

are one day to preach I With what peremptory decision do such

men display the phantasmagoria of their hypotheses; they re-

trench, they add, they praise, they blame, and pity the simplicity

which, reading the Bible as it was read y Jesus Christ, like Him

clings to every syllable, and never dreams of finding error in the

word of God! They pronounce on the intercalations and retrench-

ments that Holy Scripture must have undergone — intercalations

and retrenchments never suspected by Jesus Christ; they lop off

the chapters they do not understand, and point out blunders, ill-

sustained or ill-concluded reasonings, prejudices, imprudences, and

instances of vulgar ignorance.

"May God forgive my being compelled to put this frightful

dilemma into words, but the alternative is inevitable! Either

Jesus Christ exaggerated and spoke incoherently when He quoted

the Scriptures thus, or these rash, wicked men unwittingly blas-

pheme their divine majesty."—

Id., pages 94, 95.

LESSON II — Prayer

JULY 13, 1912

LESSON HELPS

"Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing,"

chapter ,entitled "The Lord's Prayer;" "Steps to Christ," pages

97-109; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 243-251; "Education,"

pages 257, 258;

Sabbath School Worker.

Questions

What special instruction is given concerning

prayer? Eph. 6: 18; 1 Tim. 2: 8; 1 Thess. 5:17.

What degree of earnestness, characterized the

psalmist's prayer ? Ps. 42: 1, 2; 84:2.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

Tn what does the Lord delight? Prov. 15: 8.

What is the example of Jesus concerning prayer ?

Luke 9 : 28, 29 ; 6 : 12.

How was His earnestness manifested ? Heb. 7.

What promises are given to those who pray?

Matt. 21: 22 ; Luke 11 : 9-13.

What did the Lord promise anciently to do for

His people when they prayed to Him ? 2 Chron. 6 : 24,

25 ; 7 : 12-15.

How only can victory be gained over the power

of the enemy ? Mark 9 : 29.

What is said of the prayers of Cornelius? Acts

10: 1-4. Note 1.

10.

What did the revelator see offered in heaven

upon the altar of incense? Rev. 8: 3, 4; 5: 8.

11.

As the Saviour was praying in a certain place,

what request did the disciples make ? Luke 11: 1.

Note 2.

12.

What relationship did He bid us recognize in

prayer ? For what are we to pray concerning the king-

dom ? What concerning God's will ? Verse 2. Note 3.

13.

What daily dependence upon God are we to recog-

nize ? Verse 3. Note 4.

14.

What request did Jesus teach us to make con-

cerning our sins ? To what extent are we to expect for-

giveness ? From what are we to be delivered ? Verse 4.

Compare Met. 6: 9-15. Note 5.

15.

What were the followers of Jesus doing just be-

fore Pentecost Acts 1: 14.

N. What admonition should we earnestly heed at

this time? Col. 4: 2; Rom. 12: 12.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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Notes

"The messenger whom God sent assured him that his

prayer was accepted, and also his 'alms.' Do we sufficiently

notice how the Bible connects almsgiving with prayer, and how

little reason the Bible gives us to hope that God will hear our

prayers if we do not hear the cry of the needy, This pious

centurion's prayers were not hindered by stinginess. 'His

prayers and his alms were had in remembrance in the sight of

God.'

"—"Half Hours with the Lessons of 1883," page 168.

No doubt as the Son of God prayed there was a pathos, an

earnestness, a communing with His Father as with a friend,

that deeply impressed the disciples. They longed to approach

into the presence of God like that. They, therefore, requested

that He teach them to pray. In response to their request, He re-

peated the same prayer which on a previous occasion, in the ser-

mon on the mount, He had given to the multitude.

"In calling God our Father, we recognize all His children-

as our brethren. We are all a part of the great web of humanity,

all members of one family. In our petitions, we are to include

our neighbors as well a s ourselves. No one prays aright who seeks

a blessing for himself

alone."—"Thoughts from the Mount of

Blessing."

The manna in the wilderness fell daily, and the people were

to go out and gather a certain portion each day. This taught them

the lesson of trusting the Lord each day for what they needed.

So in the Lord's prayer we are to come to Him each day and ask

Him to supply our needs. As He is our Father, we have the as-

surance that He will do this.

"He who lightened the cares and anxieties of His widowed

mother, and helped her to provide for the household at Nazareth,

sympathizes with every mother in her struggle to provide her chil-

dren food. He who had compassion on the multitude because they

`fainted, and were scattered abroad,' still has compassion on the

suffering poor. His hand is stretched out toward them in bless-

ing; and in the very prayer which He gave His disciples He

teaches us to remember the

poor."—"Thoughts from the Mount

of Blessing."

"He who is unforgiving, cuts off every channel through

which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think

that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong, we are

justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their

part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and confes-

sion; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward those who

have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their

faults. However sorely, they may have wounded us, we are not

.10

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

to cherish our grievances, and sympathize with ourselves over our

injuries; but as we hope to be pardoned for our or‘mses against

God, we are to pardon all who have done evil to

us."—Id.

LESSON III — Prayer (Continued)

JULY 20, 1912

LESSON HELPS:

"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 150, 163;

"Steps to Christ," chapter entitled "The Privilege of Prayer"

"Ministry of Healing," pages 225-233;

Sabbath School Worker.

Questions

Upon what condition has the Lord promised to

hear our prayers ? 2 Chron. 7 : 14.

What will hinder our prayers' being answered?

Ps. 66 : 18; Isa. 59 : 1-3; Prov. 28 : 9.

At what set times did the psalmist call upon God?

Ps. 55 : 17.

What was Daniel's custom in the matter of

prayer ? Dan. 6: 10, 13.

Upon whom will the anger of the Lord be poured

out ? Jer. 10 : 25. Note 1.

What encouragement is given us to pray in se-

cret ? Matt. 6 : 5, 6. Note 2.

What exhortation is given to praise the Lord in

the public congregation? Ps. 22 : 25; 35 : 18.

With what should our requests to God be made

known? Phil. 4 : 6.

When we call upon the Lord in time of trouble,

what has He promised to do ? Ps. 50 : 14, 15; 107 : 6.

10.

For what did David pray when fleeing from Ab-

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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salom? 2 Sam. 15 : 30, 31. How was this prayer an-

swered? 2 Sam. 17 : 1, 14. Note 3.

11.

What blessing was bestowed upon the disciples

while they were praying in a time of persecution?

Acts 4 : 29-31.

12.

When in the Philippian jail, what did Paul and

Silas do? Acts 16 : 25. What answer was sent ?

Verse 26.

13.

When Peter was kept in prison, what did the

church at Jerusalem do? Acts 12 : 5. What answer

was sent from the Lord? Verses 6-10.

14.

What did Paul most earnestly desire of the

church? 1 Thess. 5 : 25.

15.

What does he say of his prayers for his brethren ?

Col. 1 : 9 ; Phil. 1 : 4; 2 Cor. 13 : 7.

16.

In what way can we help forward the work of

God? 2 Cor. 1 : 11.

17.

For whom should we pray ? James 5 : 16 ; 1 Tim.

2 : 1, 2.

18.

What description is given of the close of the

farewell visit of Paul and the elders from Ephesus?

Acts 20: 36-38. .

Notes

1. In heaven the angels gather around the throne of God at

set times for worship. Concerning the fall of Satan, we read:

"The hour for joyful, happy songs of praise to God and His

dear Son had come. Satan had led the heavenly choir. He had

raised the first note, then all the angelic host united with him, and

glorious strains of music had resounded through heaven in honor

of God and His clear Son. But now, instead of strains of sweet-

est music, discord and angry words a

ll upon the ear of the great

rebel leader. Where was he/ Was it not all a horrible dream/

Was he shut out of heaven/ Were the gates of heaven nevermore

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

to open and admit him?

The hour of worship draws nigh,

when

bright and holy angels bow before the Father. No more will he

unite in heavenly song."—"

Spirit of Prophecy," volume 1,

page 28.

"In the morning the Christian's first thoughts should be upon

God. Worldly labor and self-interest should be secondary. Chil-

dren should be taught to respect and reverence the hour of prayer.

Before leaving the house for labor, all the family should be called

together, and the father, or the mother in the father's absence,

should plead fervently with God to keep them through the day.

Come in humility, with a heart full of tenderness, and with a

sense of the temptations and dangers before yourselves and your

children; by faith bind them upon the altar, entreating for them

the care of the Lord. Ministering angels will guard children

who are thus dedicated to God. It is the duty of Christian par-

ents, morning and evening, by earnest prayer and persevering

faith, to make a hedge about their children. They should patiently

instruct them,— kindly and untiringly teach them how to live

in order to please God."—"

Testimonies for the Church," volume

1, pages 397, 398.

"We should pray in the family circle; and above all we

must not neglect secret prayer; for this is the life of the soul.

It is impossible for the soul to flourish while prayer is neglected.

Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. In solitude let

the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye of God. Secret prayer

is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God.j No curious ear is

to receive the burden of such petitions. In secret prayer the soul

is free from surrounding influences, free from excitement. Calmly,

yet fervently, will it reach out after God. Sweet and abiding

will be the influence emanating from Him who seeth in secret,

whose ear is open to hear the prayer arising from the heart. By

calm, simple faith, the soul holds communion with God, and gathers

to itself rays of divine light to strengthen and sustain it in the

conflict with Satan. God is our tower of strength."—"

Steps to

Christ," pages 102, 103.

" 'And David said, 0 Lord, 1 pray Thee, turn the counsel

of Ahithophel into foolishness.' Upon reaching the top of the

mount, the king bowed in prayer, casting upon God the burden of

his soul, and humbly supplicating divine mercy. His prayer seemed

to be at once answered. Hushai the Archite, a wise and able

counselor, who had proved himself a faithful friend to David, now

came to him with his robes rent, and with earth upon his head, to

cast in his fortunes with the dethroned and fugitive king. David

saw, as by divine enlightenment, that this man, faithful and true-

hearted, was the one needed to serve the interests of the king in

the councils at the capital. At David's request, Hushai returned

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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to Jerusalem to offer his services to Absalom, and defeat the

crafty counsel of Ahithophel."—"Patriarchs

and Prophets,"

page 735.

LESSON IV — Answers to Prayer

JULY 27, 1912

LESSON

HELP: Sabbath School Worker.

Questions

For what purpose were the things written which

happened aforetime ? Rom. 15 : 4; 1 Cor. 10 : 11.

What assurance is given those who call upon the

Lord in trouble ? Ps. 50 : 15; 107: 4-6. Note 1.

What is said of the prayer of the righteous?

James 5: 16.

For what did Elijah pray? With what result?

Verses 17, 18.

On a certain occasion how earnestly did Daniel

seek God? Dan. 10 :1-3.

When the angel came to him, what did he say

about how soon Daniel's prayers were heard ? Verses

11, 12.

Why was not his prayer answered more speedily?

Verse 13.

What did Sennacherib, king of Assyria, once send

against Jerusalem ? Who was in command ? Isa. 36 :

1, 2. Note 2.

What insolent message did the king send by the

hand of Rabshakeh ? Verses 13-20. Note 3.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

10.

How did his words affect those who heard them ?

Verses 21, 22.

11.

What did Hezekiah do ? Isa. 37 : 1. Note 4.

12.

What message did he send to Isaiah, the prophet ?

Verses 2-5. Note 5.

13.

What comforting message came to him through

Isaiah ? Verses 6, 7.

14.

What further blasphemous message did the king

send Hezekiah by the hand of Rabshakeh ? Verses 8-13.

15.

What did Hezekiah do with the letter ? Verse

14.

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What prayer did he offer ? Verses 15-20. Note 6.

16.

What further message in answer to the prayer

of Hezekiah came through the prophet Isaiah concern-

ing King Sennacherib and his army? Verses 21-28.

17.

What did the Lord say He would do? Verses

29-32.

18.

What deliverance did the Lord promise to Jeru-

salem Verses 33, 34.

19.

Who did He say would defend the city? How

was deliverance brought ? Verses 35, 36.

20.

What befell Sennacherib? Verses 37, 38.

21.

Under all circumstances what promise may the

righteous claim ? Ps. 34 : 17.

Notes

"We never need to distrust God. The just Judge repulses

no one who comes to Him in contrition. He has more pleasure in

His church, struggling with temptations here below, than in the

imposing host of angels that surround His throne. Not one sin-

cere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God

hears the cries of the weakest human being."-Mrs.

E. G. White,

"Signs of the Times," September 15, 1898.

The story of the invasion of Sennacherib, his defiance of

God, and the miraculous destruction of his army, contains one of

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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the most wonderful deliverances of God's people in answer to

prayer, recorded in the Bible. No effort is made in the lesson to

cover every detail, the one object being to strengthen faith in

God by getting before our minds how, in answer to the prayer

of His servant, the Lord sent deliverance to His people. We, too,

are engaged in a warfare. Foes within us and enemies without

at times threaten the overthrow of the cause and work of God;

but now, as in the days of Hezekiah, God will not leave His peo-

ple, but in answer to their earnest petitions will send help.

"Having utterly overthrown Merodach-baladan, Sennacherib

turned fiercely upon his rebellious provinces in the west. Sidon at

once surrendered before his impetuous onset. All Syria was

terrorized and submitted. The allies from Egypt, marching north-

ward, were defeated. Ekron fell, and its chief men were impaled

on stakes. Turning then against his chief enemy, Sennacherib

captured in swift succession forty-six of the fortified cities of

Judah. He was rapidly approaching Jerusalem. 'Signs of the

Assyrian advance were given in the sky, and night after night

the watchers on Mount Zion, seeing the glare in the west, must

have speculated which of the cities of Judah was being burned.

Clouds of smoke across the heavens, from prairie and forest fires,

told how war, even if it passed, would leave a trail of famine;

and men thought with breaking hearts of the villages and fields,

heritage of the tribes of old, that were now bare to the foot and

the fire of the foreigner. Then came touch of the enemy, the ap-

pearance of armed bands

vistas down Jerusalem's favorite valleys

of chariots, squadrons of horsemen emerging upon the plateaus

to nortk and west of the city, heavy siege-towers and swarms of

men innumerable.' "—

George

Adam Smith, quoted in Peloubet's

Notes, 1905,Tage 195.

" Terrified- at Sennacherib's approach, Hezekiah had raised

the enormous tribute of three hundred talents of silver (about

$600,000, equal in purchasing value to six million dollars to-day).

He stripped the temple of its gold, and sent it to the Assyrian

monarch, whose headquarters were at Lachish, about thirty-four

miles southwest of J erusalem. The tribute was accepted, but the

i9araders pressed on."—Id`.

We should not fail to note that when Israel was involved

in a terrible crisis, Hezekiah sent to the prophet of God to inquire

if he' had any instruction for them. And the Lord had not for-

gotten His people; He sent them a message of hope.

9. What a splendid example is here presented before us by

Hezekiah! He took the threatening letter of the king, and "spread

it before the Lord." When in trouble and almost overwhelmed

with difficulty we too can obtain help by bringing it to the Lord,

and earnestly seeking Him for help.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

LESSON V — Faith

AUGUST 3, 1912

LESSON HELPS

"Steps to Christ'," chapter on "Faith and

Acceptance;" "Education," pages 253-257; "Ministry of Heal-

ing," pages 59-72;

Sabbath School Worker.

Questions

What relation does faith sustain to unseen things?

Heb. 11 : 1.

What must we have in order to please God

Verse 6.

What is the foundation of all true faith? Rom.

10 : 17. Note 1.

What proof has God given of the immutability

of His promises? Heb. 6:16-19. Note 2.

How only can the deep things of God be under-

stood? Heb. 11: 3. Note 3.

With what is true • faith always accompanied?

James 2: 15-17, 20.

What gives victory to the soul struggling under

temptation? • 1 John 5: 4, 5. Note 4.

What will be the experience of the righteous in

that trying time just before the coming of Christ ? Heb.

10: 37, 38. Note 5.

How does Christ dwell in our hearts ? Eph. 3: 17.

10.

How is the promise of the Spirit received ? Gal.

3: 14. To what extent will unbelief hinder the ful-

filment of the promise ? James 1: 6, 7.

11.

What part of the Christian armor is faith? What

will it do for us ? Eph. 6: 16.

12.

In the days of Gideon how great was the encamp-

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



ment which came against the children of Israel? Judges

6:3-5; 7:12.

13.

What did the Lord say He would do with three

hundred chosen ones who believed Him ? Judges 7 : 7.

Note 6.

14.

How great was the victory that came to Israel

as a result of their faith ? Verses 21, 22. Note 7.

15.

What request did the Syrophenician woman make

of Jesus? What did He say ? Mark 7 : 24-27.

16.

How did she reply ? What was the result of

faith ? Verses 28-30.

17.

What testimony did Joshua leave concerning the

fulfilment of God's promises to Israel? Joshua 21: 45.

18.

What is an appropriate prayer for us at this

time ? Luke 17 : 5. Note 8.

Notes

Much that is called faith is a mere belief founded on the

opinions and assumptions of men. The "devils also believe, and

tremble" • (James 2:19), but this is not faith. Real faith is

founded upon the eternal rock of Scripture. To those who be-

lieve, the word of Jehovah is the end of all controversy.

" The ship • that rides at anchor experiences rackings and

heavings 'that snips which drift with the tide do not know. ho

souls wuo have no hold of Christ seem to lie softer on the surface

of a heaving world than souls that are anchored in Ills power

and love. 'tile drifting ship, before she strikes, is more smooth

and more comfortable than the anchored one; but when sue

strikes, rue smoothness is all over. The pleasures of sin are

sweet to those who taste them; but the sweetness is only for a

season.

When the anchor has been cast into a good ground, the

heavier the strain that comes on it, the deeper and firmer grows

its hold. As winds and currents increase in volume, the anchor

bites more deeply into the soil, and so increases its preserving

power. It is thus with a trusting soul; temptations, instead or

uriving him away from his Saviour, only fix his affections firmer

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

on the Rock of Ages."—"

The Sermon Bible," volume 11,

page 319.

Faith is not speculation. It does not guess its way through.

Faith

knows.

We understand by faith. It is folly to claim,

as some do, that they will not believe that which they do not under-

stand. Faith precedes understanding. All the infidel ideas ad-

vanced concerning the stupendous work of creation are set forth

simply because what God says in His word concerning creation

is not believed. Faith believes things beyond the power. of human-

understanding.

Rotherham's translation of 1 John 5:4 'reads, "And this

is the conquest that conquers the world, even our faith." The

Bible abounds with examples showing how unwavering faith in

the words of Jehovah has brought victory to God's people in the

past. And the Lord is the same to-day as in the past. Heb. 13:8.

Righteousness is the gift of God (Rom. 5:17), as is eter-

nal life Atom. 6:23), and the two are so inseparable that one

involves tue other. Both these gifts, as all others, are received

by believing. During the time ox probation, life is continued to

the impenitent in order to give them the opportunity to repent;

but after probation closes, the coming of the Lord, will be at-

tended by such a manifestation of glory as will destroy those

who have not been living the life of faith in Christ. 2 Thess.

1:7-10. Those however who have become sons of God by believ-

ing (John 1:12), and have learned how to lay hold upon eternal

lire (1 'tiro. 6:19), will not perish with the wicked in the day of

Christ's appearing, but will continue to live by their faith.

• •Poetry and eloquence for long centuries have delighted in

proclaiming tue glory of the brave Leonidas and the three bun-

ared Spartans, whose heroic valor and death-defying patriotism

made tne pass of Thermopylae a shrine and an altar for Greece.

Their equals in courage and patriotism, and their superiors in

faith, were Gideon and the immortal three hundred who remained

on mount Gilboa while their comrades bade them farewell and

marched to their homes. It was no ordinary daring they displayed

when, armed with pitchers and trumpets, they went forth to meet

the multitudes of their foes. It was the boldness of faith in

the divine word. 'One, with God on his side,' said the old Ger-

man Reformers, 'is a majority.' Thus the three hundred out-

numbeied the hosts of Miclian, for God was with them. It is

grand to stand with God's minorities. Better be with them than

the myriada of His enemies. Better be with them than with the

large majority of cowardly, half-hearted Christians whom lie

can not

use."—"Half Hours with the Lessons

1883," page 8'4U.

" The sleeping army was suddenly aroused. Upon every

aide was glean the light

the flaming torches. in every direction

SAMIATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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was heard the sound of trumpets, with the cry of the assailants.

Believing themselves at the mercy of an overwhelming force, the

Midianites were panic-stricken. With wild cries of alarm they

fled for life, and mistaking their own companions for enemies,

they slew one another. As news of the victory spread. thousands

of the men of Israel who had been dismissed to their homes

returned, and joined in pursuit of their fleeing enemies. . . .

"In this signal defeat, not less than one hundred and twenty

thousand of the invaders perished. The power of the Midianites

was broken, so that they were never again able to make war upon

Israel. The tidings spread swiftly far and wide, that Israel's

God had again fought for. His people. No words can describe the

terror of the surrounding nations when they learned what simple

means had prevailed against the power of a bold, warlike people."

—"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 550, 553.

8. The gospel commission lasts until the end. The promises

of these mighty workings of the Holy Spirit for those who believe

are for,,us to-day as well as for the apostles. The fact that so

little power is seen among God's people at the present time is sad

evidence of the lack of real faith and trust in the promises of

God.

LESSON VI — Justified by Faith

AUGUST 10, 1912

LESSON HELPS:

"Steps to Christ," chapter entitled "The

Test of Discipleship;" "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 396-404;

Sabbath School Worker.

Questions

How many have sinned? Rom. 3: 9-19.

As a result of sin, what is man's condition with-

out Christ? Eph. 2:11, 12.

What description is given of the natural heart ?

Jer. 17 : 9 ; Isa. 1 : 4-6.

How is man's helplessness to change his condi-

tion illustrated? Jer. 13 : 23.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

What statement of the .Scriptures denies the possi-

bility of justification by the law? Rom. 3 : 20.

What illhstration is given of the experience of a

sinner ? Zech. 3 :1-3.

By command of the angel what change was made?

Verses 4, 5.

What garment will be found upon those who are

saved ? Matt. 22: 11; Rev. 19 : 7, 8.

What provision has been made for the sinner's

justification? Rom. 3 : 21-26. Note 1.

10.

How did Abraham obtain righteousness ? Rom.

4: 1-3, 18-22. Note 2.

11.

What did Peter tell those to do who inquired how

they might be saved? Acts 2 : 38 ; 3 : 19.

12.

What gracious promise is given to all who con-

fess their sins? 1 John 1: 9. Note 3.

13.

For whose sake are sins blotted out ? Isa. 43 :

25, 26.

14.

How far is the sinner who believes separated from

his sins? Ps. 103: 12.

15.

How tenderly is the forgiven sinner regarded by

the Lord? Verses 13, 14.

16.

What invitation and promise are given to the

backslider ? Jer. 3: 21, 22.

17.

In view of all these promises, what should we

conclude? Rom. 3 : 28.

18.

Whom does the Lord justify? What is counted

for righteousness ? Roni. 4: 5.

19.

'Whose blessedness does David describe? Verse 6.-

20.

What is the experience of those who are justified

by faith? Rom. 5 : 1.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



Notes

Justification from sin is not merely the granting of pardon,

or forgiVeness. You may pardon a transgression, but not justify

the offender. Justification from sin includes all this,

and more.

It is the accounting just, or righteous, before God of those who

are unrighteous. It is a judicial act by which the innocence of

the person is fully established. It is even more than this. "It

is not only forgiveness for sins, but reclaiming from sin." It

constitutes a change of standing before God, from a condition

of guilt and condemnation to one of perfect and complete right-

eousness. It is a removal of all guilt, a justification from all

sin and uncleanness. It includes complete remission of every sin,

and an imputation of the righteousness of Jesus Christ to the

penitent believer, so that we stand in the presence of the holy

God free from all unrighteousness. This is an act of God alone.

He and He alone is the one who justifies. Nothing that man can

do can in any way justify a wrong committed. We are justified

by faith, and not by works. The sinner believes, and God sup-

plies the fact. ,

"In like nianner you are a sinner. You can not atone for

your past sins, you can not change your heart, and make your-

self holy. But God promises to do all this for you through Christ.

You

believe

that promise, you confess your sins, and give your-

self to God. You will to serve Him. Just as surely as you do

this, God will fulfil His word to you. If you believe the promise,

— believe that you are forgiven and cleansed,—

God supplies the

fact;

you are made whole, just as Christ gave the paralytic power

to walk when the man believed that he was healed. It

so if

you believe

it.



to Christ," page 55.

"-‘ And he believed in the Lord.' Neither Greek nor Ger-

man, much less Latin or English, can futnish any full equivalent

to the meaning of these words. He was supported, he was built

up, he reposed as a child in its mother's arms (such seems the

force of the Hebrew word), in the strength of God, in God,

whom he did not see, more than in the giant empires of earth,

and the bright lights of heaven,

or the claims of tribe and kin-

dred, which were always before him."—

Stanley.

" True confession is always of a specificcharacter, and ac-

knowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to

be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be

confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them;

or they may be of a public character, and should then be as

publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to

the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty. .

"Confession will not be acceptable. to God without sincere

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in

the life; everything offensive to God must be put away."—"Steps

to Christ," pages 43, 44.

LESSON VII — Personal Victory Through Believing

AUGUST 17, 1912

LESSON HELPS:

"Steps to Christ," chapter entitled "Rejoi-

cing in the Lord;" "Education," pages 253-261;

Sabbath School

Worker.

Questions

What is the victory that overcomes the world ?

1 John 5 : 4.

What explanation is given of what is to be over-

come in the world? 1 John 2: 16.

What promise is given to those who pray in faith?

Matt. 21: 22; Mark 11: 24. Note 1.

What is man's condition by nature? Rom. 7: 14;

John 8: 34. Compare Prov. 5: 22.

What encouraging promise is made to the cap-

tives? Isa. 49 : 24, 25; 61: 1-3.

What promise of victory over the powers of dark-

ness was given to the disciples? Luke 9: 1: Compare

1 John 4 : 4.

What encouraging report of victory was given by

the seventy who were sent out ? Luke 10 : 17.

In what words did the Saviour give assurance of

victory for the future?. Verses 18-20. Note 2.

When an afflicted woman touched the Saviour,

what occurred? Luke 8 : 43, 44.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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10.

What question did Jesus ask? What reply did

Peter make? What did Jesus say had gone from Him?

Verses 45, 46.

11.

What comforting words did Jesus speak to the

woman ? What made her whole ? Verses 47, 48. Note 3.

12.

What request was made by the man afflicted with

leprosy ? Luke 5 : 12.

13.

What did Jesus say ? What was the result ?

Verse 13. Note 4.

14.

When the palsied man was brought before Him,

what did Jesus say to him? Luke 5 :18-20.

15.

How did Jesus rebuke the unbelief of•the Phar-

isees? Verses 21-24.

16.

What did the afflicted man do' Verse 25.

Note 5.

17.

What gracious invitation is extended to all the

afflicted and oppressed ? Matt. 11: 28-30.

Notes

" Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer

believing."

The faith

which brings an answer to our prayers must be based, not on our

supposed needs, but on a statement in the word of God where the

thing for which we ask is promised to us. The Lord has not

pleuged Himself to answer every request we may make, but He

uas promised to fulfil His own word. We must therefore study

the scriptures, know what God has promised and the conditions

upon which the promise is based, and then ask in faith.

" The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense

of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has

claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the

enemy's power. The Saviour is by the side of his tempted and

tried ones. With Him there can be no such thing as failure loss,

impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Jilin; who

strengthens us. When temptations and trials come, do not wait

to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper.

" There are Christians who think and speak altogether too

much about the power of Satan. They think of their adversary,

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

they pray about him, they talk about him, and he looms up greater

and greater in their imagination. It is true that Satan is a

powerful being; but thank God, we have a mighty Saviour, who

cast out the evil one from heaven. Satan is pleased when we

magnify his power. Why not talk of Jesus'? Why not magnify

His power and His

love I"—"Desire of Ages," pages 490, 493.

"The wondering crowd that pressed close about Christ real-

ized no accession of vital power. But when the suffering woman

put forth her hand to touch Him, believing that she would be

made whole, she felt the healing virtue. So in spiritual things.

To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul-hunger

and living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ,

which accepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never

bring healing to the soul."—Id.,

page 347.

" The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible

disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from

sin. The man who came to Jesus was full of leprosy.' Its

deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to

prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a

leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the

leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giv-

ing power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy

of sin,— deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by

human power. . . . But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, re-

ceives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner.

Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, 'Lord, if Thou

wilt, Thou canst make me clean,' shall hear the answer, 'I will,

be thou made clean.'

"—Id., page 266.

"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul

and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical

restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are

to-day thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the

paralytic, are longing for the message, Thy sins are forgiven.'

The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the

foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they

come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can

give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body."

—Id., page 270.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



LESSON VIII — The Holy Spirit

AUGUST 24, 1912

LESSON HELPS:

"Desire of Ages," chapter 73;

Sabbath

School Worker.

Questions

While in the upper room, what statement con-

cerning Himself did Jesus make to His disciples which

caused them sorrow ? John 13 : 33-36.

What promise did He give to comfort their

troubled hearts? John 14: 1-3.

What further promise did Jesus make to them ?

Verses 16-18. Note 1.

What did Jesus say the Holy Spirit would do

when He is come ? Verse 26. Compare Isa. 59 : 19.

Note 2:

Of whom will the Spirit testify? John 15 : 26.

How will the working of the Holy Spirit affect

the world ? John 16 : 7-11.

What will He do for the believer? Of whom will

the Spirit not speak? Verse 13.

After His resurrection, in what words did Jesus

renew to the disciples the promise of the Holy Spirit?

John 20 : 21, 22.

Just before His ascension, what did He bid them

do? Luke 24 : 49. Note 3.

10.

Of what did He assure them on the day of His

ascension ? Acts 1: 4, 5.

11.

Where were the disciples on the day of Pente-

cost? What was their spiritual condition? Acts 2: 1.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON CNARTERLY

12.

With what outward manifestations was the Holy

Spirit bestowed upon them? Verses 2-4.

13.

What did every man hear ? How were the people

affected? Verses 5-8.

14.

Of what did Peter say this was a fulfilment?

Verses 14-20.

15.

How many, were added to the church that day ?

Verse 41.

16.

What record is given of the further accessions to

the church? Acts 4:4; 5 : 14; 6 : 7.

17.

What .is said of the spiritual condition of the

church ? Acts 2: 42-47; 4: 32-35.

Notes

1. The word from which • "Comforter" is translated is the

Greek word

Paractete.

Five times this word is used in the New

Testament, four times by Jesus in the upper room discourse to

the disciples (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7), where it refers to

the person of the Holy Spirit, and' once in 1 John 2:1, where it

refers to Christ. In I John 2:1, we read: "My little children,

these things write 1 unto you, . that ye sin not. And if any man

sin, we have an advocate with the lather, Jesus Christ the right-

eous." The word

Paraclete,

translated "Comforter" in the other

texts, is here translated "advocate," which is perhaps a little

nearer the original text, and refers to a personal Saviour. The

Holy Spirit is Christ's personal representative in the earth.

'the word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Eph. 6:17.

When in trial, the Spirit of God will bring to our minds the pre-

cious promises of God, to strengthen us, and defeat the enemy.

But in order that the Spirit may do this we must fill our minds

with the Word by diligent stuuy. It was with the Word that

Jesus met the enemy in the temptation in the wilderness. The

Spirit and the Word go together. This has been well stated as

follows:

"The means of the Holy Ghost to accomplish His work in

us is the word of God. The church, looked at from one point

of view, is a school. In this school, as in all others, there are two

things,— the lessen book (the Bible), and the Teacher (the Holy

-Ghost, who makes us understand and learn the lessons). Or, to

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



make use of another comparison, the Holy Ghost is the heavenly

Workman, who wishes to perform a good work in us — that of our

salvation; and the Bible is the instrument He has prepared to

that end; the ministers whom He has established in the church

are the monitors charged with explaining the lessons (Ephesians

4; 1 Corinthians 12). He wishes us to listen to them, inasmuch

as they are themselves faithful learners of the Word He has given

us. The Holy Ghost, whether He wishes to explain, console, or

sanctify, does nothing without the Word; by it we have been born

again (1 Peter 2:2, 3) ; by it we are nourished (1 Peter 2:2; com-

pare John 17:17). The Word is called 'the sword of the Spirit'

(Eph.

"To take the one without the other is to take the Teacher

without the Book, or the Workman without His tool. Unhappily,

only too -many do this, with evil consequences — some doctrinal

and others simply practical."

"The Spirit and the Word, the Word and the Spirit, are two

things indissolubly united by God. A theology which separates

them is not worthy of the name. `The Spirit without the Word'

is, with some, personal inspiration with all its illusions, or mysti-

cism in its bad sense, if not fanaticism with all its errors.

"On the other hand, 'the Word without the Spirit' is, for

some, orthodox intellectualism with its desolating dryness, or,

what is still worse, rationalism and its errors; for others it is

a prolongation of their childish comprehension of the Word, the

want of peace and confidence in the promise of God, of assurance

and rejoicing over our reconciliation with Him through faith in

Jesus Christ. And it is also a delay in sanctification. Let us

avoid these two extremes with equal care; while we hold the Book,

let us lift our hearts to Him who makes us able to read it with

profit; in the union of the Word and the Spirit, and there alone,

is there entire safety for our

souls."—"Through the Eternal

Spirit," pages 301, 302, 306.

3. If an enduement of the Holy Spirit was necessary in order

that the disciples might do the work committed to their hands of

carrying the gospel to the world, it is equally necesssary for His

people in the closing work of God in the earth.



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

LESSON IX — The Holy Spirit (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 1912

LESSON HELPS: "Testimonies for the Church," volume 8,

pages 19-23; "Steps to Christ," chapter entitled "The Test of

Discipleship;"

Sabbath School Worker.

Questions

To what power must we yield to be disciples of

the Lord? Rom. 8: 9, 14.

What must be the experience of one who enters

the kingdom of God? John 3 : 3-6.

How willing is the Lord to give us the Holy

Spirit ? Luke 11: 13.

When

the Holy Spirit comes to us, what will He

do ? John 16 : 7-10. Note 1.

What is the work of the Spirit everywhere in the

world ? Gen. 6 : 3 ; Acts 2 : 37. Compare Acts 7 : 51;

9 : 5. Note 2.

How freely is the Spirit offered to us ? John

7 : 37-39.

To whom will the Spirit be given ? Acts 5 : 32.

Note 3..

What did Simon Magus desire? Acts 8 : 18, 19.

What was Peter's reply ? Verses 20-23. Note 4.

10.

Whom will the Spirit of God lead us to exalt?

John 15 : 26 ; 16 : 14, 15. Note 5.

11.

What does the apostle exhort in reference to

our receiving the Holy Spirit? Eph. 5: 18.

12.

What will be received when the Holy Spirit

comes into the heart Acts 1: 8 ; Eph. 3 : 14-16.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSOlst QuAlvrtilLY



13.

What great work did the Spirit of God do for

King Saul ? 1 Sam. 10 : 6, 10.

14.

Because of Saul's disobedience, what sad con-

dition finally resulted ? 1 Sam. 16 : 14.

15.

What vow of consecration was upon Samson

from his childhood? Judges 13: 5.

16.

As a result, how was he strengthened by the

Spirit of God ? Verses 24, 25; 14 : 6 ; 15 : 14.

17.

Because of his sins, what change came upon him ?

Judges 16: 18-21. Note 6.

18.

Against what are we warned ? Eph. 4 : 29, 30 ;

1 Thess. 5 : 19.

19.

For what should we earnestly pray at this time ?

Zech. 10 : 1. Compare Joel 2: 23-27. Note 7.

NOtes

The evidence that the Lord has answered our prayers and

sent to us the Holy Spirit, is not a joyous, happy feeling, but a

deep conviction of sin. His first work is to convict of sin. And

not till the sin is confessed and put away, will He convince us

of righteousness.

"Those whom Christ commends in the Judgment, may have

known little of theology, but they have cherished His principles.

Through the influence of the divine Spirit they have been a bless-

ing to those about them. Even among the heathen are those who

have cherished the spirit of kindness; before the words of life

had fallen upon their ears, they have befriended the missionaries,

even ministering to them at the peril of their own lives. Among

the heathen are those who worship God ignorantly, those to whom

the light is never brought by human instrumentality, yet they

will not perish. Though ignorant of the written law of God, they

have heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done

the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that

the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recognized

as the children of God.

"How surprised and gladdened will be the lowly among the

nations, and among the heathen, to hear from the lips of the

Saviour, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.' How glad will be

the heart of Infinite Love as His followers look up with surprise

and joy at His words of approval."—"Desire

of Ages," page 638.

"Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His

church, and the promise belongs to •us as much as to the first dis-

ciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions.

There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord's

promise; they talk

about

Christ and

about

the Holy Spirit, yet

receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided

and controlled by the divine agencies. We can not use the Holy

Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works

in His people 'to will and to do of His good pleasure.' But many

will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This

is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who

wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace,

is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and

reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all

other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches

of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul ac-

cording to the capacity to receive."—

Id., page 672.

The motive of Simon Magus was wrong. If we desire the

Spirit of God for any selfish purpose, God must withhold it from

us. Before, therefore, we can receive the fulness of the Holy

Spirit, we must have the motives and purposes of the heart right.

The wort of Satan is to exalt self. "I will ascend unto

heaven."

will exalt my throne."

will be like the Most

High." The Holy Spirit never leads to an exaltation of self, but

ever exalts the Saviour, speaks of Him, testifies of Him, and

glorifies Him.

"What a change to him who had been the judge and cham-

pion of Israel! — now weak, blind, imprisoned, degraded to the

most menial service! Little by little he had violated the con-

ditions of his sacred calling. God had borne long with him; but

when he had so yielded himself to the power of sin as to betray

his secret, the Lord departed from him. There was no virtue in

his long hair merely, but it was a token of his loyalty to God;

and when the, symbol was sacrificed in the indulgence of passion,

the blessings of which it was a token were also forfeited.

"In suffering and humiliation, a sport for the Philistines,

Samson learned more of his own weakness than he had ever known

before; and his afflictions led him to repentance. As his hair

grew, his power gradually returned; but his enemies, regarding

him as a fettered and helpless prisoner

felt no apprehensions."

—"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 566.

"God's providential care had been over Samson, that he might

be prepared to accomplish the work which he was called to do.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



. . . The very ones whom God purposes to use as His instruments

for a special work, Satan employs his utmost power to lead astray.

He attacks us at our weak points, working through defects in the

character to gain control of the whole man; and he knows that if

these defects are cherished, he will succeed: But none need be

overcome. Man is not left alone to conquer the power of evil by

his own feeble' efforts. Help is at hand, and will be given to

every soul who really desires it"—

Id., page 568.

7. "Why

do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit,

since this is the means by which we are to receive power'? Why

do we not talk of it, pray for it, preach concerning it'? The Lord

is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to us than parents are to

give good gifts to their children: For the baptism of the Spirit

every worker should be pleading with God. Companies should be

gathered together to ask for special help, for heavenly wisdom,

that they may know how to plan and execute wisely. Especially

should men pray that God will baptize His missionaries with the

Holy Spirit.

'—"Testimonies for the Church," volume 8, page 22.

"My brethren and sisters, plead for the Holy Spirit. God

stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bibles in

your hands, say: 'I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy

promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;

knock, and it shall be opened unto you." ' "—

Id., page 23.

LESSON X — Fruits of the Spirit; Works of the Flesh

SEPTEMBER 7, 1912

LESSON HELPS:

"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 67-69;

"Steps to Christ," chapter entitled "The Test of Discipleship; "

Sabbath School Worker.

Questions

What are the fruits of the Spirit ? Gal. 5:'22, 23.

What spiritual experience constitutes the king-

dom of God within the heart ? Rom. 14 : 17.

What prayer indicates the glorious privilege of the

Christian ? Rom. 15 : 13.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

In contrast to the fruits of the Spirit, what are

mentioned as works of the flesh? Gal. 5 : 19-21.

What change has been wrought in the life of

every true Christian? Verse 24 ; 6 : 14. -

How is the daily experience of such set forth?

Gal. 2 : 20.

How is this blessed experience further described?

John 7:37-39 ; 4:13, 14. Note 1.

By what means has this change been wrought?

Rom. 8: 11-13; John 3: 3-8.

How is man's wretched state by nature described?

Rom. 7:14, 23.

19. How is he delivered? Rom. 8: 1, 2. Note 2.

11.

By what is a tree known? Matt. 7 : 17-20.

12.

What application is made of this principle to

our Christian experience? Luke 6 : 43-45. Compare

James 3 : 10-12.

13.

What disposition is finally made of trees that

do not yield good fruit? Matt. 3: 8-10.

14.

What did the Saviour do with the fruitless fig-

tree? Mark 11: 12-14, 20, 21. Note 3.

15.

How only can we bear good fruit ? John

15 : 4, 5.

16.

What is the blessed result of truly abiding in

Christ ? Verses 7, 8.

17.

What is an appropriate prayer for all? Phil.

1: 9-11.

Notes



•

1. " It is a great thing to have a well that you can carry with

you; to have a well that is within you; to have your source of

satisfaction, not in the things outside yourself, but in a well within,

and that is always within, and that is always springing up in

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



freshness ane power; to have our well of satisfaction and joy,:,

within us. We are then independent of our environment. It

matters little whether we have health or sickness, prosperity or

adversity, our source of joy is within and is ever springing up.

. . . This fountain within is always gushing up with greatest

power and fulness in the days of deepest bereavement. At such

a time all earthly satisfactions fail. What satisfaction is there in

money, or worldly pleasure, in the theater or the opera or the

dance. in fame or power of human learning. when some loved one

is taken from us'? But in the hours when those that we love

dearest upon earth are taken from us, then it is that the spring

of joy of the indwelling Spirit of God bursts forth with fullest

flow, sorrow and sighing flee away, and our own spirits are filled

with peace and ecstasy. We have beauty for ashes, the oil of

joy for mourning, the garments of praise for the snirit of heavi-

ness (Isa. 61:3)."—"

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit,"

pages 113, 114.

Three laws are here brought to view: (a) The law of God:

(b) The law of sin and death in our nature; (c) The "law of

the Snirit of life in Christ Jesus." The attempt to keen God's

holy law in our own strength results in total failure. We sink

deeper and deeper into the terrible nit of sin. We are constantly

dragged down by the law of sinful habits in our nature. But

when we in our wretched. hopeless, helpless condition look up to

Jesus, and surrender to Him every purpose, desire, and affection,

the Holy Spirit takes control of the life, and sets us free from the

power of indwelling sin, the law of sin and death in our members,

and gives us continual victory over sin. It sets the despairing

captive free. The desires of the flesh may at times assert them-

selves, for the flesh is still there, but we "through the Spirit do

mortify the deeds of the body." This is indeed glorious fruit

of the Holy Spirit.

"Christ's act in cursing the tree which His own power had

created, stands as a warning to all churches and to all Christians.

No one can live the law of God without ministering to others.

But there are many who do not live out Christ's merciful, un-

selfish life. Some who think themselves excellent Christians do

not understand what constitutes service for God. They plan and

study to please themselves. They act only in reference to self.

Time is of value to them only as they can gather for themselves.

In all the affairs of life this is their object. Not for others but

for themselves do they minister. God created them to live in a

world where unselfish service must be performed. He designed

them to help their fellow men in every possible way. But self is

so large that they can not see anything else. They are not in

touch with humanity. Those who thus live for self are like the



SABBATH-SCHOOL• LESSON QUARTERLY

fig-tree, which made every pretension, but was fruitless. They

observe the forms of worship, but without repentance or faith.

In profession they honor the law of God, but obedience is lacking;

They say, but do not. In the sentence pronounced on the fig-tree

Christ demonstrates how hateful in His eyes is this vain pretense.

He declares that the open sinner is less guilty than is he who pro-

fesses to serve God, but who bears no fruit to His glory."—"De-

sire of Ages," page 584.

LESSON XI — The Gifts of the Spirit

SEPTEMBER 14, 1912

LESSON HELP:

Sabbath School Weller.

Questions

Concerning what are we admonished not to be

ignorant ? 1 Cor. 12: 1.

2. Where did the Lord place these gifts? Verse 28.

What unity is there in the diversity of these gifts?

Verses 4-6.

Name these gifts. How are they distributed?

Verses 8-10. Note 1.

To what is the church possessing all these gifts

compared? 1 Cor. 12: 22-27.

-6. For what did the apostle Paul fervently thank

the Lord? 1 Cor. 1: 4-6.

Will the time come when these gifts will not be

required? 1 Cor. 13: 8.

Why will they not be required? Verses 9, 10.

Note 2.

-9":"Soes the Bible recognize any difference in these

gifts? 1 Cor. 12:31.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



What gift is mentioned as one of these "best

gifts"? 1 Cor. 14:1; 39.

Notes

It is by means of the Holy Spirit which is freely given to

those who believe, that these spiritual gifts are bestowed upon the

followers of Christ. These gifts are given, not as the believer

may choose, but as the Spirit wills. 1 Cor. 12:11.

In the scriptures cited there are many different and distinct

gifts of the Holy Spirit. There are other gifts as well, such as

"gifts of healing, helps, governments," etc. Many make a mis-

take in emphasizing one gift of the Spirit to the exclusion of

other important and helpful gifts which have been placed in the

church for the edification of the body. While one gift may be

more helpful and important than the others, all are necessary.

So long as the Holy Spirit strives with men, the gifts of

the Spirit will be seen to a greater or less degree. God placed

these gifts in the church "for the perfecting of the saints, for

the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

And they will remain there during the militant period of the

church.

LESSON XII — The Gift of Prophecy

SEPTEMBER 21, 1912

LESSON HELPS:

"Testimonies for the Church," volume 5,

pages 654-691;

Sabbath School Worker.

Questions

1. By what means has the Lord communicated with

man since the fall? Heb. 1 : 1, 2; 2 Chron. 36: 15, 16.

How is the instrument chosen through whom the

prophetic gift is to be exercised ? 1 Cor. 12 : 11. Com-

pare Acts 13: 2, 3. Note 1.

How does the Lord reveal Himself to those whom

He has chosen to exercise the prophetic. gift? Nuin.

12:6; Dan. 2:19; 7:1.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

Against what are we cautioned? Matt. 24 : 24.

Note 2.

How can we distinguish the true from the false ?

Deut. 13: 1-3.

According to what will a true spokesman for God

speak? Isa. 8 : 20. Compare 1 John 4: 1.

How did the prophets of old speak? 2 Peter

1: 20, 21; 1 Peter 1: 10-12. , Compare Acts 28: 25.

How did they communicate to the people that

which was revealed to them? Jer. 51: 60, 61; 2 Chron.

20 : 14, 15.

When there is no prophetic instruction, how are

the people affected? Prov. 29: 18 ; Lam. 2: 9.

10.

What exercise of the prophetic gift was seen in

the early church? Acts 11: 27, 28; 13: 1; 21: 8, 9.

11.

What exercise of spiritual gifts is promised for

the church? Acts 2: 17, 18, 38, 39. Compare Joel 2:

28, 29.

12.

What is said concerning the prophetic gift in the

church of the last days? Rev. 12: 17; 19: 10. Note 3.

13.

What encouraging promise is made to those who

believe the Lord's prophets ? 2 Chron. 20: 20.



•

Notes

No one can of himself choose to be a prophet, teacher, worker

of miracles, or any other office bestowed by the Holy Spirit. God,

through the bpiru., selects tile instrument. We may decline the

holy calling, and tail to till the place to which the Lord has Called

us; but the gifts or the Spirit, whether of prophecy or some other

girt, are distributed as the Spirit Himself wills.

That there are false claims put forth and spurious gifts ex-

ercised in the world is quite true, but this should in no way dis-

credit the genuine. Counterfeit money is in circulation, but this

does not discount the genuine coin. It is against "false proph-

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



ets," teachers who depart from the Word, that we are warned.

Though a pretended seer make a prediction which comes to

pass, yet if he teach that which leads away from the true God

and substitutes idolatry, if his teaching lead from the unerring

Word to the tradition of men, we may know that his claims to

be a prophet or teacher sent from God are not true, and we are

not to `;harken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer

of dreams."

3. "That the Testimonies were not given to take the place of

the Bible, the following extract from a Testimony published in

1876 will show:

" 'Brother R would confuse the mind by seeking to make it

appear that the light God has given through the Testimonies is

an addition to the word of God; but in this he presents the matter

in a false light. God has seen fit in this manner to bring the

minds of His people to His word, to give them a clearer under-

standing of it.' `The word of God is sufficient to enlighten the

most beclouded mind, and may be understood by those who have

any desire to understand it. But notwithstanding all this, some

who profess to make the word of God their study, are found living

in direct opposition to its plainest teachings. Then, to leave men

and women without excuse, God gives plain and pointed Testi-

monies, bringing them back to the Word that they have neglected

to follow.'

—"Testimonies for the Church," volume 5, page 663.

"Let the Testimonies be judged by their fruits. What is the

spirit of their teaching'1 What has been the result of their in-

fluence' 'All who desire to do so can acquaint themselves with

the fruits of these visions. For seventeen years, God has seen fit

to let them survive and strengthen against the opposition of

Satan's forces, and the influences of human agencies that have

aided Satan in his work.'

" 'God is either teaching His church, reproving their wrongs,

and strengthening their faith, or He is not. This work is of God,

or it is not. God does nothing in partnership with Satan. My

work . . . bears the stamp of God, or the stamp of ti4 enemy.

There is no half-way work in the matter. The Testimonies are

of the Spirit of God, or of the devil.'

"—Id., page 671.



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

LESSON XIII Review

SEPTEMBER 28, 1912

Questions

What statement is made concerning the study of

the Scriptures? By what does the believer live? How

are We kept from sin? How were all things made ? Cite

an example of the power of Jesus' words when on earth.

What is the result of rejecting the word of God ?

Quote a text in which we are exhorted to pray.

Relate some incidents in the life of Jesus concerning

prayer.

What are the conditions of prevailing prayer?

Cite examples of set times to pray. Give an example

of secret prayer. Give a promise made to those who

pray when in trouble or distress. Give examples of

deliverance in answer to earnest prayer.

Whose prayers alone are effectual? Give an ex-

ample. Relate the story of the invasion of Sennacherib

and the deliverance of Jerusalem.

How only can the word of God be understood?

How are the promises of God's word made real to us?

Relate briefly the story of Gideon's victory of faith.

Give other examples of the power of believing.

What is man's condition by nature? How alone

can the sinner be justified? How did Abraham obtain

righteousness ?

Give an encouraging promise made to those in

captivity to sin. Give two examples of healing in an-

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



swer to faith. What invitation has Jesus extended to

the weary ?

With what promise did Jesus encourage His

disciples in the upper room? What is the meaning of

the word "Comforter"? Relate the experience of Pen-

tecost. What progress did the church make after Pen-

tecost ?

What did Jesus say about the new birth? To

whom has the Lord promised to give His Holy Spirit?

What is evidence of the work of the Spirit in the heart?

How will this work affect the life ? Give some ex-

amples of this work on the heart. ,

10.

Name some of the fruits of the Spirit. What

are the works of the flesh ? In what way is a change

wrought in the life ? Give an illustration of the sad

result of not bearing fruit.

11.

Name the gifts of the Spirit. Where are the

gifts placed ? How long will they continue ?

12.

In what different ways does the Lord communi-

cate with man ? How does the Lord communicate

through a prophet? What caution is given the church?

Why ? How may we distinguish a true prophet, or

teacher, from the false ? Give instances of the exercise

of the prophetic gift in the early church. Cite a text

showing that the gift of prophecy will be exercised in

the church of the last days. What promise is made

to those who believe the words of a true prophet ?

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